The all-new, redesigned LT1-powered C7 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray churns out 460 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque and already comes with a long list of standard and available features. And now the list just got a little longer for the 2015 Stingray with the addition of Chevy's new Performance Data Recorder (PDR) system. Officially unveiled at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show, the PDR was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering company who also helped develop the Corvette Racing team’s data acquisition and telemetry electronics system. The PDR will be just that, an industry-first recording device in a production vehicle.

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The PDR is not just any ordinary “black box,” the system uses video, audio, and telemetry overlays to help drivers on and off the race track. The system is meant to be used to help drivers achieve faster lap times and improve overall performance driving skills. Customers who purchase the PDR will have the ability to playback and review everything they do on the track.

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The PDR system is comprised of three main components: 720p, high-definition camera; telemetry recorder; and SD-card slot in the glove box. Each of the three parts will combine for the ultimate recording, reviewing, and sharing system in any production vehicle.

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The video camera will be mounted within the windshield header trim and record the driver’s point-of-view. Audio is recorded via a dedicated microphone in the cabin. The telemetry recorder uses a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at 5 Hz, five times faster than the in-dash navigation system. The system is hard-wired into the Stingray’s Controller Area Network (CAN) to accesses engine speed, transmission-gear selection, braking force, and steering-wheel angle. The SD-card slot in the glove box records video and vehicle data, making it easy to remove and transfer to other devices. Depending on the capacity of the memory card in the glove box will determine the amount that can be recorded. An 8GB card can record approximately 200 minutes; a 32GB card stores up to about 800 minutes.

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One of the overall highlights of the PDR system is the high-definition videos that can be reviewed in-car on the Corvette’s eight-inch, color touchscreen when parked. Another nice feature is the Cosworth Toolbox telemetry software that is included with the optional package. Data can be uploaded to the software to get a similar analysis of the driver’s performance, similar to what the Corvette Racing team uses.

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The PDR records video with three distinctly different overlay options:

Track Mode shows the maximum level of data on the screen, including speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time, and more

Sport Mode shows fewer details on the overlay, but includes key data including speed and g-force

Touring Mode no data overlay; it simply records and displays video and audio of the drive

The PDR system can be used to help improve driver’s techniques and lap times. The ability to analyze laps in incredible detail will give drivers an unprecedented opportunity to improve driving and lap times. It will be available with the start of regular 2015 Corvette production, later in the third quarter of 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

2014 SRT Viper Gets Stryker Green Treatment
Written
by
Diego Rosenberg
on January 12, 2014 SRT is introducing a special new high-impact color for the Viper that will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called Stryker Green.